NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a strong critique of the Congress party following the NDA's significant victory in the Bihar assembly elections. He noted a growing dissatisfaction among senior nationalist leaders who previously collaborated with Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, hinting at frustrations with the party's current leadership, which he referred to as "namdar".

Speaking to Bihari residents in Surat, Modi accused the opposition of shifting blame to institutions rather than reflecting on their electoral defeat. He stated, "Opposition can't explain poll rout even to their workers and blaming EVMs, EC and electoral rolls' revision," describing this as a habitual attempt to undermine constitutional bodies.

Modi highlighted the concerns of younger opposition MPs, who reportedly expressed their frustrations about their diminishing roles in Parliament. He said, "When we meet young Congress members or INDIA alliance members in the Parliament, they say, ‘Sir, what can we do? Our careers are coming to an end.'"

The Prime Minister praised Bihar's voters for their decisive mandate, which he claimed showcased a preference for development over divisive politics. He pointed out the 10 percent vote gap between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan, asserting that Bihar's women and youth played a crucial role in this outcome. Modi condemned opposition leaders for attempting to divide voters along caste lines, stating, "This election in Bihar has completely rejected that poison of casteism. This is a very bright sign for the country."

In contrast, the Congress party is grappling with its poor performance in Bihar, having won only six out of the 61 seats it contested. Senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, convened in Delhi to discuss the results. K C Venugopal, a key party figure, expressed disbelief at the outcome, claiming, "the entire poll process is questionable and there is no transparency." He indicated that the Congress would gather data to support their claims within the next two weeks.

Modi also warned of potential internal strife within the Congress, suggesting that the party's current direction could lead to a major split. He described the Congress as having devolved into what he termed "Muslimleegi Maowadi Congress" (MMC), focusing solely on negative politics. He remarked, "There is deep disappointment and deep anger brewing within the party regarding the path on which the 'namdaars' of the Congress are taking the party on."

The NDA's victory in Bihar, where it secured 202 seats compared to the Mahagathbandhan's 35, has reinforced Modi's standing and highlighted the Congress's declining influence in Indian politics. The Prime Minister concluded by cautioning Congress allies about the party's potential to undermine their electoral prospects.